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Behind Enemy Lines: 5 questions with Colts Wire ahead of Week 14

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers return home in Week 14 after two-straight road wins. The Bucs have been playing some of their best football of the season and have a chance to pull their record to 6-7 with a win over the visiting Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts, meanwhile, have lost four of their last five games and are desperately trying to stay afloat in the AFC playoff race. A loss would all but end their season, so the Bucs should prepared to face a Colts team playing with an added sense of desperation and urgency.

We talked with Kevin Hickey of Colts Wire to find out more about this Indy team ahead of Sunday’s Week 14 matchup.

1. The Colts have lost four of five games and seen their playoff hopes slip away. What’s the realistic expectation for this team for the rest of the season?

They will continue to compete but it is very unlikely they make the playoffs. They are currently the ninth seed entering this matchup while the teams ahead of them hold the tiebreaker for the playoff seeding. There is still the smallest of chances they get in but with four games remaining, it is time to begin looking at the future.

2. How do the Colts plan on stopping Tampa Bay’s offense, which ranks in the top 5 in the league?

It’s a good question and a tough challenge. The Colts have been pretty solid defensively for the majority of the year, especially recently. Because Jameis Winston has a knack for throwing interceptions, I expect the Colts to dial up some blitzes. Cornerback Kenny Moore is typically used on nickel blitzes but he’s ruled out. I wouldn’t be surprised if they use linebackers Darius Leonard or Bobby Okereke on blitzes more often. They will also have to take advantage if/when they secure turnovers. Scoring points after a change of possession is something they have struggled with this season.

3. What grade would you give Jacoby Brissett this season?

C+ maybe? It’s tough because he’s a talented quarterback. He has a big arm, strong pocket mobility and a strong command of the offense. But he simply doesn’t throw with timing and anticipation to be an above average starter. If he has to deal with a blitz, all bets are off. He’s talented and still relatively young, but right now he’s an average quarterback that doesn’t love to push the ball downfield.

4. What’s the key matchup everyone should be watching for on Sunday?

It’s going to be Shaq Barrett against Colts right tackle Braden Smith. Barrett is having a career year leading the NFL in sacks while the second-year Smith has been solid for the most part this season. The Colts offensive line dictates how much success the entire offense will have every week. Needing to win the edge battles is a massive need, and it likely comes down to this matchup.

5. Who wins and why?

The Colts are going to be competitive in this game, but the injuries are too much. Without T.Y. Hilton, the passing offense isn’t the same. Without Kenny Moore, the Colts have no one to line up against Chris Godwin. It will be close, but the Colts offense doesn’t have what it takes to keep up with the Bucs. I’ve got it Bucs, 28-20.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pulled out the win on Sunday, downing the Indianapolis Colts 38-35 to win their third-straight game and pull their record to 6-7. With the win, Tampa Bay avoided their third-straight 5-11 season, which is certainly something to celebrate.

With that, here are some initial thoughts and analysis from today's win.
The good, the bad, and the Winston
Quarterback Jameis Winston threw an interception on his first pass attempt of the game, which led to a Jacoby Brissett touchdown pass, then had another pick returned for an 80-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Things could've gotten worse,...